"It's not surprising that the Scripter voting was close in a year that featured so many great film adaptations," said Academy Award-winning screenwriter Robert Towne, who served as chair of the selection committee.

A group of film and literary professionals selected the honorees.

The nominated films were: "Cold Mountain," screenwriter Anthony Minghella, author Charles Frazier. "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" screenwriters Frances Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson; author J.R.R. Tolkien. "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World," screenwriters Peter Weir and John Collee, author Patrick O'Brian. "Mystic River," screenwriter Brian Helgeland, author Dennis Lehane. "Seabiscuit," screenwriter Gary Ross, author Laura Hillenbrand.